Smart expands LTE coverage areas

MANILA, Philippines - PLDT Inc.’s wireless arm stepped up efforts to expand its LTE (Long Term Evolution) service coverage by activating an additional four cell sites using the 700 Megahertz (MHz) frequency.

Smart Communications Inc. said the four newly activated LTE cell sites utilizing the 700 MHz spectrum are all located in Davao City.

In particular, the cell sites could be found in the following: Barangay Ma-a near DBP Village; along San Pedro Street near Osmeña Park; at the PLDT building along Ponciano Reyes Street.; and at Kilometer 4, near the Davao City Golf Club.

With the latest development, Smart now has eight LTE cell sites powered by the 700 MHz frequency.

Smart’s four other LTE cell sites using the 700 MHz frequency are in Tanay, Rizal; Matina, Davao City; Bacoor, Cavite; and Manggahan area in Pasig City.

Both PLDT and Globe wanted to get an allocation of the 700 MHz as the spectrum is said to be the most efficient for LTE deployment due to longer range and better indoor coverage compared to other high band frequencies.

“We are fulfilling our commitment, that we would use the 700 MHz frequency, along with other frequencies, as part of the accelerated deployment of our LTE service. This will help us more quickly deliver faster, more reliable and affordable internet services throughout the Philippines,” Joachim Horn, PLDT and Smart chief technology and information advisor said in a statement.

He said Smart is deploying LTE on 700 MHz in order to combine the powerful frequency with the most advanced mobile phone technology.